Tomb of Vijaya is an ancient monument, situated on the hillock of Medagama Kanda, Panduwasnuwara DS in Sri Lanka. The monument site consists of a stupa shaped circular structure which is traditionally believed to be the tomb of King Vijaya, the first recorded ruler of Sri Lanka.
Medagama Kanda lies about 6 km south-east from Panduwasnuwara ancient Kingdom. At the top of this hill lies ruins of an ancient dagoba conserved by the department of Archeology in 1986. There is a strong belief that this stupa contains the remains of the King Vijaya (543-505 BC), the first in line of a royal dynasty which lasted over 2300 years.
The archeology department who carried out carbon dating of the ashes found inside the stupa during conservation work has found that they are about 2,500 – 2,600 years old.
King Vijay
According to the Mahāvaṃsa chronicle, Prince Vijaya (c. 543–505 BCE) was the first Sinhalese king. Legends say that he and several hundred followers came to Sri Lanka after they were banished from Sinhapura.
In Sri Lanka, Vijaya and his settlers defeated a yaksha near "Thammena" (Tambapaṇṇī, believed to be in the central or western part of the island), eventually displacing the island's previous inhabitants from their city of Sirisavatthu. Vijaya's marriage to Kuveni, a daughter of a yaksha leader, may have cemented his ability to rein the kingdom of Tambapanni. However, Kuveni's renunciation of her people for love did not last long; Vijay betrayed her for a princess from India. Kuveni had two children by Vijaya, whose fate is unknown.
How to Reach?
From Colombo to Tomb of Vijaya 102km Far away. You can choose easy way to reach Tomb of Vijaya.
What You Can Do Here?
If you visit in Tomb of Vijaya, there are lots of things to do for your enjoying. You can sightseeing , take photos, research, visit ridi viharaya & many more.
Here is a long list of major things to do in Tomb of Vijaya. Which the first time travelers can visit and experience.
Worship Ridi Viharaya
Ridi Viharaya lies about 20 kilometers away from the ancient kingdom of Kurunegala in a small village called Ridi Gama. This temple is said to be built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC as a memorial to the place where he found a silver (ridi) ore mine which was used to finance the building of the gigantic Ruwanweli Seya.
The great chronicle Mahavamsa describes the discovery of this mine by a trader.
In a southerly direction from the city, at a distance of eight yojanas, silver appeared in the Ambatthakola-cave. A merchant from the city, taking many wagons with him, in order to bring ginger and so forth from Malaya, had set out for Malaya. Not far from the cave he brought the wagons to a halt and since he had need of wood for whips he wetit up that mountain. As he saw here a branch of a bread-fruit-tree, bearing one single fruit as large as a water pitcher, and dragged down by the weight of the fruit, he cut the (fruit) which was lying on a stone away from the stalk with his knife, and thinking: `I will give the first (produce as alms),’ with faith he announced the (meal) time.
Visit Athugal Rock
Athugala Elephant Rock is a prominent venue of the Royal Capital Sri Lanka, the Kurunegala. Kurunegala is in the North-western Province and nearly 45km from Kandy.
Kurunegala is surrounded by rocks and the Ethagala or elephant rock is the largest among them. The rock is 325meters height and resembles the gigantic shape of an elephant. According to myths, the area around the elephant rock was experienced a severe drought which result scarcity of water for animals and those endangered animals later turned as large rocks. The myth was designed to suit the meaning of athugala, the large elephant. The way along the rock path is very ecofriendly. At the top of the rock there is an 88ft Buddha statue was placed. The Kurunegala town is very scenic to view from the top the rock.
The devotees, mountain climbers and teenagers who like hiking are more common to visit the elephant rock. Also the tourists of local and foreign too make a visit here.
Sightseeing
There are historical surroundings, so you can research about King Vijay & Sri Lankan history.alsi you can sightseeing collect some memorable things.
Take Photos
You can take lots of pictures of surroundings. You can make a memorable vacation.
